Sunday, May 15, 2011

Interview with Michelle Murdock of Quail Lane Press

Biography
I currently reside on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, in California. I'm a native Californian but spent many great years on the east coast during college studying a mix of science and art.  I am an alumnus of both Columbia and Yale Universities.   
In the past I struggled to define myself but today I guess I consider myself a naturalist.  I'm an outdoor enthusiast, birder, nature art lover. 
I produce many of my prints using a a small rotary press in my studio on Quail Lane and all of my letterpress prints on a Vandercook Universal I at the Zephyr Press of Reno. A lot of my prints come out of my daily life in Tahoe-Taking walks with the dogs and looking around the forest at the trees and birds, or just thinking of new ideas in a tranquil setting.  
Why Printmaking?
I'm not exactly sure why I have always loved printing so much.  I started out printmaking with lithography and etching and just loved the process, the clearly defined steps, and (of course) the beautiful paper you get to work with.  I walk into any printshop today, and when the smell of ink and paper and steel hits me… I just feel at home. 

What is your favorite print medium and why?
Right now I have to say letterpress relief printing ostensibly because I do that the most.  If I had access to a big etching press and lab I might have to say that.  I dunno, it's a tough choice! 
How long have you been printing and how has your work evolved?
I've been printing off and on for around a decade.  As I already mentioned I started out in etching and lithography, but have transitioned to primarily linocuts, and photopolymer relief prints.

What or Who influences your work?
I get a lot of ideas on color and style from movies.  I love cinematography and artistic style in many movies-especially in independent flicks. 
I have to give a big shout out to bloggers, who are amazing.  The eclectic array of objects found in their blogs really get the creative juices flowing for me.  
Finally, my environment.  The lake and forest that surrounds me certainly has had a great influence on my work.  Sometimes it does so directly, by being the subject matter of it, or indirectly by clearing my mind so that I can create.    

How do your promote your work?
I try to be open to everyone and every opportunity.  I'm a one woman show at the moment so creating new pieces, ordering materials, selling and promoting myself has become increasingly hard to juggle.  However I think, at least in the area I live in, there are many people who are very interested in printmaking and the process behind it, which makes it much easier for me.

Tell us one random fact about yourself.
I eat an avocado nearly every day.  

Check out Michelle's Etsy Site and Website

1 comment:

Marissa Buschow said...

*birding-printmaker high-five